Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

Conclusion

» As Christian leaders, we must recognize that God has charged us as his representatives to help guide his people through a fair and just process that will seek to restore an offender back to full participation in our body. » The practice of biblical discipline will result in a sound faith and strong Christian community, bringing honor to our Lord.

The following questions were designed to help you review the material in the second video segment. In today’s environment, many churches and their leaders avoid questions and issues of Church discipline altogether, until, unfortunately, they are forced by division, lawsuits, and scandal to address them. No Christian leader can be effective if they do not concentrate their energies and attention on learning Christ’s commands on this subject, and then carefully and lovingly applying those principles to the situations that they confront in the Church. As this is especially necessary in urban church contexts, we must master these principles and the supporting Scripture well. As you discuss these questions together, do not hesitate to view them through the lens of the situations that you are facing in your church and community. 1. What is the Christian leader’s responsibility to the backsliden or estranged member of the body of Christ? Why is all exercise of authority for discipline’s sake only done for the purpose of building up others, and not tearing them down? 2. In what way can we say that discipline is “God’s way to protect the people of God as well as restore those who desire to return to obedience to Christ’s lordship after backsliding?” In what way are all members of the body of Christ called to participate in restoration and discipline? Explain your answer. 3. What is the relationship of spiritual discipline to one’s standing as a child of God? Can one actually be a son or daughter of God and never be chastised or disciplined? 4. List the different ways that the biblical exercise of discipline has a corrective purpose. In what way do these ways touch upon the urban community and the urban church?

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Student Questions and Response

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